August 26, 2025 • 20 mins
A mother's anguish and determination 8 years after her daughter was kidnapped, raped and murdered.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Thanks for holding tight everybody. Poor Kyleen is running back
and forth. If you're wondering where, we're not on Facebook
Live yet because poor Kyleen is trying to figure out.
Speaker 2 (00:10):
Thanks for giving me grace.
Speaker 1 (00:12):
I mean that's what we do. We give people grace.
Everybody should be so graceful, right, Mikayla.
Speaker 3 (00:17):
Yes, I mean I think it's a lesson for it.
We learned patience, we learn grace and that is what
that is part.
Speaker 2 (00:23):
Of what matters, and then how to smart for years.
Speaker 4 (00:25):
This is my first time on this show and I'm
really excited about it. But hey, we got to work
out the kinks, so we're going.
Speaker 2 (00:31):
To do that for everybody.
Speaker 1 (00:32):
Well, and you know what is so random you're in
today when we're having Reagan Tokes's mom on.
Speaker 2 (00:39):
Yeah, and you basically knew Reagan.
Speaker 4 (00:43):
Yeah, I knew her. I wouldn't say I knew her
well as much as her friends and family and I
you know, it's all about that. You don't want to
say you know somebody too much, you know, when you're like,
oh that was my bestie or I think that's always
a big thing. But I did go to Bodega and
I you were the amazing you know, her personality and
the way she treated all the client tell there and
(01:06):
just how she was so amazing there with you know,
her job, and you know it was great. And I've
loved Bodega for years, so so I knew her in
that you know, era of her life, and she was
always kind of amazing. Say, I knew her, but I
know many of people knew her in many of different ways.
So she brought a smile to people's faces, and she
(01:28):
did so many ways.
Speaker 1 (01:29):
And you'll love talking to her mom and meeting her mom,
as all of our listeners will too.
Speaker 2 (01:32):
All Right, MICHAELA, what's your hot topic?
Speaker 5 (01:34):
Darlin?
Speaker 3 (01:34):
Well, I mean, have we heard about the Tegna Nexttar
merger or Next Star buying out? Let's let's talk media. Yeah,
let's talk media for a little bit.
Speaker 2 (01:42):
Is that all right? Thought, I'm so curious of what
you think of this.
Speaker 3 (01:46):
So what I find super interesting is there are rules.
Speaker 2 (01:50):
About set it up. Tell everybody exactly what we're talking.
Speaker 3 (01:52):
Okay, So Next Star, which here in Columbus owns Channel four,
and Tegna, which now owns Channel ten and Columbus the
wool family did for a very long time. Next Star
is buying Tegna, acquiring all of their stations across the country.
It's a six point two billion dollar deal. Now Columbus
is impacted, but Cleveland is also impacted, so many other
(02:15):
margarets who both have a Tegna and Nexttar station. So
I think the big question has been this.
Speaker 2 (02:21):
Last week is it legal? Is it legal?
Speaker 3 (02:24):
And what happens to the people who work up both
of the stations. So to the is it legal point,
my Marcia FCC, Yeah, So my understanding is a company
can only get to like thirty nine percent of the
American public with their broadcast signal. I think that's what
I read within the last week. This would come really
(02:46):
really close from my understanding, if not over the top
for that FCC rule.
Speaker 2 (02:52):
So is it legal?
Speaker 3 (02:54):
And that I think is the question. That's one of
the questions I've asked this week.
Speaker 1 (02:57):
Was your perspective, Well, I heard the same thing, but
it sounds to me like they are going forward like
fires a blazon. It's just so weird to think you
and I both worked at four. Ten was the enemy?
Six was the enemy in a sense. I mean I
say that because you have to win ratings. Jobs are
(03:17):
on the line, if you don't win ratings, if you're
doing the six am show and you're not number one
or number two, if you're doing the six pm show,
ratings really do matter.
Speaker 2 (03:27):
So it's such a competitive field.
Speaker 1 (03:30):
I mean, you run into all these different reporters on
the streets covering a story, perhaps covering the Reaganok's case,
and you have such respect for other reporters doing it
that you do become friends from other channels. But the
big picture is it's competition.
Speaker 2 (03:44):
It's game on.
Speaker 1 (03:45):
You want to outscoop your competition, and now they're going
to be family.
Speaker 3 (03:49):
Basically, Yeah, what happens when Channel ten is number one
in a timeslot and Channel four is number two in
a timeslot?
Speaker 2 (03:57):
What's what I'm saying or vice versa.
Speaker 3 (03:59):
So late July, the US Court of Appeals vacated the
FCC's top four rule, which has long prohibited ownership of
more than one of the top four stations in a
single market. So that's one of the reasons I think
the way is kind of cleared for this. Now, the
ruling is still subject to an assessment by the FCC,
but man, it could significantly clear the way for this
(04:19):
kind of merger. The people who work at the stations
are Are is there any jeopardy of the merging of shows?
I guess that's like, is it going to be? Would
we ever get to a point? Because cord cutting has
so hurt the TV industry? And this article from the
AP goes on to say that, are we ever in
a situation where there is one morning show between the
two stations one evening show between the two stations?
Speaker 1 (04:42):
Shows? No, because I've also heard this, you can't have
one boss with two different stations unless it's a sister
station like Channel six.
Speaker 2 (04:51):
And Fox got it.
Speaker 1 (04:53):
So, because you are basically controlling the narrative of two
different outside stations with one with one rule of mind,
you know what I mean?
Speaker 2 (05:02):
Yes?
Speaker 3 (05:02):
How do you feel? So that's supposed to keep perspectives
and lenses separate.
Speaker 1 (05:09):
And fairness, right, Yeah, So you don't have You know
as well as I do. Who's at the top of
any station is going to call the shots. They're going
to let things on the air that perhaps they want
on the air more than others. So if you're doing
that in both and two out of three stations, that's
almost like a controlled monopoly.
Speaker 3 (05:27):
So do you so you think they have to be
completely closed door to each other while they're owned by
the same corporation.
Speaker 2 (05:33):
It's going to be when's it's supposed to all shake out?
Like when is it supposed to happen?
Speaker 3 (05:36):
So according to the Associated Press, they say that this
deal is supposed to be done by the second half
of twenty twenty six.
Speaker 2 (05:46):
Well, I guess we'll find out all together. But it
would be weird.
Speaker 3 (05:51):
It's going to be very, very different. And you already
have station knack Quinn not Quinn. How do I say
her last name? I think like she's now a Channel ten, and.
Speaker 2 (06:00):
She was a Channel six then Jeff Hogan's back, and
Jeff Hogan's back.
Speaker 3 (06:03):
I mean, there's so many movie parts and.
Speaker 1 (06:06):
Talent alon it was a Channel six forever and now
she's at ten. She's been at ten now for a while, right,
But there's it's gonna be crazy and local And then
people say I saw so many comments from people saying
who even watches local news anymore?
Speaker 2 (06:17):
Mindy?
Speaker 3 (06:18):
I think that's true, and that's part of this problem.
And it's going to bring a lower cost to Next
Star to run all these stations because who is And
that was what the article went on to say, it
is not the place that it used to be.
Speaker 2 (06:29):
No, just keep watching Spectrum, the state wide station. You'll
see me on Tuesdays.
Speaker 3 (06:34):
To you, you'll wave and you'll get not just like
the shooting down the street.
Speaker 2 (06:39):
You don't get the shooting down the street. Because if
you have.
Speaker 1 (06:42):
A shooting down the street in Columbus to people in
Cleveland really care about.
Speaker 2 (06:44):
They don't. All right, we gotta go break.
Speaker 3 (06:46):
All right, we have at least Tokes coming up next
talking about Reagan's foundation and where things stand with the
ankle bracelet long.
Speaker 1 (06:53):
I'll lease stay here for this conversation, and if you
want to call in and tell her what a hero
she is.
Speaker 2 (07:15):
What matters.
Speaker 1 (07:16):
What matters is the name of the show. And Mikayla
and I have talked about what matters for so many
years together. I don't know if anything is more important
than a conversation like this, like the one we're about
to have.
Speaker 3 (07:27):
MICHAELA, Yeah, you know all of us. I believe no
Reagan tokes his name. And the awful thing that happened
about eight years ago now to Reagan, not far from Odegan,
Ohio State's campus, raped and murdered and kidnapped, kidnapped, and
and you know, we followed the story. There have been
some major changes in law because of what happened, and
(07:49):
we absolutely have just been grateful to be able to
support that family over time, continuing the conversation.
Speaker 1 (07:57):
That family is led by that unbelievable strong mom, Lisa Toaks,
Lisa joins us now and Lisa McKayla and I have
been in your corner for so long, and you are
our hero. I don't know what it's like to lose
a child, By the grace of God, I hope we
never find out. I mean, obviously I know what my
parents went through because I did lose a brother, my
(08:18):
brother Mark was killed. But to have your strength, your courage,
and your commitment to continue to fight for justice for
your daughter is beautiful. It's just a wonderful thing.
Speaker 5 (08:30):
Oh ladies, thank you for those kind words. And I
appreciate the opportunity to still have a platform for the
work that we are doing in Reagan's honor and memory.
I vowed when we started down this path, when we
were made aware of all the fractures and flaws with
(08:51):
legislation that existed that allowed a crime like hers to
be committed that I would work tirelessly and effortlessly until
we were over the finish line to fix what is
necessary legislatively, and we had success in twenty eighteen with
(09:14):
the first part of the Reagantoke Fact being adopted into law,
which actually addresses behavior while incarcerated, and additional time can
now be added to sentences of those who are behind
bars who are not exhibiting reform, preventing them from being
(09:35):
released and put back into society. But the partner bill
to that is the part that addresses ankle monitoring in
real time, and unfortunately that is still a loose end
and we are still fighting to have that peace complete
because the circle is still open ended and one part
(09:57):
without the other does not fully help with prime prevention
and protection of the innocent.
Speaker 2 (10:06):
We are going to talk about that today.
Speaker 3 (10:08):
We're also going to talk with you about the foundation,
which has done so much good, and ways people can
participate in something that's coming up to continue all that good. First, though,
since you started there, Lisa, if it's all right, yeah,
let's talk a little bit about the Regantoke's Law and
what still needs to get finished up that you were
just mentioning. So I was reading up the Marshall Project
(10:29):
this morning, and I understand that through the end of
twenty twenty four, more than fourteen thousand, five hundred people
have been sentenced under the reagantos law.
Speaker 2 (10:39):
According to the ODRC.
Speaker 3 (10:41):
So Reagan's perpetrator because he.
Speaker 2 (10:43):
Had been in prison before.
Speaker 3 (10:47):
If this had been in place, this first part that
we're talking about, he would not have been out when
he was out.
Speaker 2 (10:52):
Is that correct?
Speaker 5 (10:53):
To remind folks, that is absolutely correct. He had over
fifty infraction and while incarcerated for actually a very short
sentence for the type of crime that he had previously committed,
and he should never have been released. But because the
way the law was at the time, none of that
(11:15):
mattered and none of that counted for anything, and he
was not held accountable and was released even though he
was still exhibiting violent behavior while behind bars.
Speaker 1 (11:26):
How do you not go crazy, like, how do you
that would bother me till my dying day to think
that this whole thing could have been prevented and never
should have happened in the first place.
Speaker 5 (11:38):
No, And I think that's one of the hardest things
about this. This was truly a preventable crime, and the
system failed. It failed Reagan, it failed so many other
victims before and after her as well. It's one of
the reasons that I'm so committed to continue to fight
(11:59):
because what happened to her and what has happened to
our family is so completely and utterly devastating, and it's
that we're not for the grace of God giving me
strengths and courage and outlets and avenues to continue to
push for change. You know, I don't know where I
(12:23):
or where we would be at this point.
Speaker 3 (12:25):
So the law requires the imposing of a minimum and
maximum prison term the portion of the law that's in place.
So for example, a four year sentence for felonious assault
would actually be four to six.
Speaker 2 (12:38):
Years in prison.
Speaker 3 (12:39):
And I know, you know, you have people who are
fighting against the constitutionality of at least I've I read
up on that as well. But talk to us about
the ankle bracelet part that has not gotten to where
you need it to get to.
Speaker 2 (12:51):
And realistically, if there is going to be changed once
and for.
Speaker 5 (12:54):
All, well there hopefully will be changed once and for all.
So the second portion that was part of this original
bill package that was split into two components and was
called House Bill one sixty six at the time addressed
to ankle monitoring in real time. We have this false
(13:17):
sense of security with this program in the form of
ankle monitors that are put on released offenders that are
now being reintroduced to society, and the fact that they
are not monitored in real time and don't have real
consequences as absolutely maddening and ludicrous. They can be unaccounted
(13:38):
for various amounts of times, they can tamper with their
ankle monitor, they completely can cut it off, they can
go missing, and the accountability factor for that is the
missing link. Currently, law enforcement is not notified when any
of that goes on. And in the situation of Regan's murderer,
(14:00):
he was out and about in non inclusionary zones out
past curfew where he did not belong and was committing
crime and having zero consequences.
Speaker 2 (14:15):
Wow, makes me.
Speaker 5 (14:17):
And that is a program that still exists in the
state of Florida and many other states throughout the United
States as well. It is a completely bogused program because
it's not tied correctly. And that is the most frustrating
part is the technology exists for it to be a
(14:38):
actual crime deterrent and preventor instead of being what it
was in the case of Bragan's crime, it was able
to pinpoint and identify her perpetrators whereabouts after he had
already murdered her. Well, what good is that?
Speaker 4 (14:54):
Yeah?
Speaker 3 (14:54):
So what's the problem is it cost for the technology
for these states or like Ohio or what's the deal
Lisa A tape?
Speaker 5 (15:02):
Yeah, it's a lot of red tape. And that's a
very good question, because I will note that House Bill
one sixty six, that was compiled by Kristen Boggs and
Rick Carfonia at the time, passed unanimously on February eighth
of twenty twenty two out of the Criminal Justice Committee
(15:22):
and then was put before the House for a vote
on February ninth, twenty twenty two, which, ironically enough, was
five years through the date of US losing Reagan. It
had an eighty nine percent pass, there was zero people
that voiced against it, and then it languished for what reason,
(15:45):
I don't know. It needed to move on to the Senate.
It needed to go through the Senate Judiciary Committee and
then be brought to the Senate floor so it could
be voted into law and it never was, and they
would never give a concrete reason as why there was
speculation that money there's a money component to it, but
really that is why are we standing behind the shield
(16:08):
of money. Technology exists to the point that it's literally
the push of a few buttons here and there. And yes,
there are some components of the bill when you looked
at reduction and parole officer caseload and whatnot, that would
have had a financial cost to it, but there is
plenty of money in the system to fund this instead
of funding a program that is completely useless and pointless
(16:31):
because it does not stop the intention of preventing crime.
It's a means and a measure to tie people to
crimes or whereabouts basically after the fact if there's not
reactionary happening in real time because it's not being monitored
properly and local law enforcement is not made aware when
(16:53):
violations are occurring.
Speaker 1 (16:56):
So you said, change is definitely coming, Lisa. We're talking
with Lisa to the mother of Reagan to Oaks, who
eight years ago was kidnapped, raped and murdered. She was
a beautiful Ohio State student getting ready to really make
such a positive impact on this world. And in this
world that we live in. So in a perfect world,
where should we be right now and what's the future
(17:17):
look like.
Speaker 5 (17:19):
Well, in a perfect world, Reagan should be here with us,
and she should be she should have a psychology practice
that that's what she was pursuing. She would still be
making a difference positively in the lives of others. She
is through the work that we are doing through her
(17:41):
legacy and memory, but she should be here herself because
this tragedy should never have occurred. But we were dealing
with the circumstances as they are, and that means that
I have not stopped fighting for this secondary phase. And unfortunately,
when you just look at statistical history of crime crimes
(18:01):
being committed by those on ankle monitors, the numbers are staggering,
and the incidences of tragedy that keep occurring that could
have been prevented are just beyond There is a House
representative by the name of Cindy Abrams who is in
(18:22):
the process of resurrecting components out of House Bill one
sixty six because obviously it languished and we've had changes
in people in office and too much as time has
gone on. So it's starting from scratch situation again, which
is extremely frustrating because it's very well seeded and exactly
(18:45):
you're starting completely all over, having to find new partners,
new sponsors, new proponents. It goes through all the red
tapes that we go through when you're looking to get
something done from a judicial perspective. But there was a
tragedy recently again that involved somebody out on an inkle
monitor in Cincinnati and Patrick Herringer lost his life, and
(19:11):
being that is the district that Cindy Abrams is from,
she wanted to make sure that something finally happens, and
so she has resurrected a new bill that carries his name,
that has significant components from the original House Bill one
(19:34):
sixty six that hopefully will be presented and introduced before
committee here within the next upcoming month or.
Speaker 3 (19:43):
So October is the time to make it happen, Lisa,
they'll be back. There's it's not kind of a lane
duck situation, like it's the time to make it happen.
Speaker 2 (19:51):
I so hope that that moves. Let's do this. I
so hope we have to take a break right now.
Speaker 1 (19:56):
We're up against the clock the time, but we also
have some good news that we're going to share because
there's an event coming up in October that really will
honor and remember Reagan Toaks, our beautiful Reagan Toaks, So
we want to share that story with everyone as well.
Speaker 2 (20:12):
Is that all right, Lisa,
Thanks for holding tight everybody. Poor Kyleen is running back
and forth. If you're wondering where, we're not on Facebook
Live yet because poor Kyleen is trying to figure out.
Speaker 2 (00:10):
Thanks for giving me grace.
Speaker 1 (00:12):
I mean that's what we do. We give people grace.
Everybody should be so graceful, right, Mikayla.
Speaker 3 (00:17):
Yes, I mean I think it's a lesson for it.
We learned patience, we learn grace and that is what
that is part.
Speaker 2 (00:23):
Of what matters, and then how to smart for years.
Speaker 4 (00:25):
This is my first time on this show and I'm
really excited about it. But hey, we got to work
out the kinks, so we're going.
Speaker 2 (00:31):
To do that for everybody.
Speaker 1 (00:32):
Well, and you know what is so random you're in
today when we're having Reagan Tokes's mom on.
Speaker 2 (00:39):
Yeah, and you basically knew Reagan.
Speaker 4 (00:43):
Yeah, I knew her. I wouldn't say I knew her
well as much as her friends and family and I
you know, it's all about that. You don't want to
say you know somebody too much, you know, when you're like,
oh that was my bestie or I think that's always
a big thing. But I did go to Bodega and
I you were the amazing you know, her personality and
the way she treated all the client tell there and
(01:06):
just how she was so amazing there with you know,
her job, and you know it was great. And I've
loved Bodega for years, so so I knew her in
that you know, era of her life, and she was
always kind of amazing. Say, I knew her, but I
know many of people knew her in many of different ways.
So she brought a smile to people's faces, and she
(01:28):
did so many ways.
Speaker 1 (01:29):
And you'll love talking to her mom and meeting her mom,
as all of our listeners will too.
Speaker 2 (01:32):
All Right, MICHAELA, what's your hot topic?
Speaker 5 (01:34):
Darlin?
Speaker 3 (01:34):
Well, I mean, have we heard about the Tegna Nexttar
merger or Next Star buying out? Let's let's talk media. Yeah,
let's talk media for a little bit.
Speaker 2 (01:42):
Is that all right? Thought, I'm so curious of what
you think of this.
Speaker 3 (01:46):
So what I find super interesting is there are rules.
Speaker 2 (01:50):
About set it up. Tell everybody exactly what we're talking.
Speaker 3 (01:52):
Okay, So Next Star, which here in Columbus owns Channel four,
and Tegna, which now owns Channel ten and Columbus the
wool family did for a very long time. Next Star
is buying Tegna, acquiring all of their stations across the country.
It's a six point two billion dollar deal. Now Columbus
is impacted, but Cleveland is also impacted, so many other
(02:15):
margarets who both have a Tegna and Nexttar station. So
I think the big question has been this.
Speaker 2 (02:21):
Last week is it legal? Is it legal?
Speaker 3 (02:24):
And what happens to the people who work up both
of the stations. So to the is it legal point,
my Marcia FCC, Yeah, So my understanding is a company
can only get to like thirty nine percent of the
American public with their broadcast signal. I think that's what
I read within the last week. This would come really
(02:46):
really close from my understanding, if not over the top
for that FCC rule.
Speaker 2 (02:52):
So is it legal?
Speaker 3 (02:54):
And that I think is the question. That's one of
the questions I've asked this week.
Speaker 1 (02:57):
Was your perspective, Well, I heard the same thing, but
it sounds to me like they are going forward like
fires a blazon. It's just so weird to think you
and I both worked at four. Ten was the enemy?
Six was the enemy in a sense. I mean I
say that because you have to win ratings. Jobs are
(03:17):
on the line, if you don't win ratings, if you're
doing the six am show and you're not number one
or number two, if you're doing the six pm show,
ratings really do matter.
Speaker 2 (03:27):
So it's such a competitive field.
Speaker 1 (03:30):
I mean, you run into all these different reporters on
the streets covering a story, perhaps covering the Reaganok's case,
and you have such respect for other reporters doing it
that you do become friends from other channels. But the
big picture is it's competition.
Speaker 2 (03:44):
It's game on.
Speaker 1 (03:45):
You want to outscoop your competition, and now they're going
to be family.
Speaker 3 (03:49):
Basically, Yeah, what happens when Channel ten is number one
in a timeslot and Channel four is number two in
a timeslot?
Speaker 2 (03:57):
What's what I'm saying or vice versa.
Speaker 3 (03:59):
So late July, the US Court of Appeals vacated the
FCC's top four rule, which has long prohibited ownership of
more than one of the top four stations in a
single market. So that's one of the reasons I think
the way is kind of cleared for this. Now, the
ruling is still subject to an assessment by the FCC,
but man, it could significantly clear the way for this
(04:19):
kind of merger. The people who work at the stations
are Are is there any jeopardy of the merging of shows?
I guess that's like, is it going to be? Would
we ever get to a point? Because cord cutting has
so hurt the TV industry? And this article from the
AP goes on to say that, are we ever in
a situation where there is one morning show between the
two stations one evening show between the two stations?
Speaker 1 (04:42):
Shows? No, because I've also heard this, you can't have
one boss with two different stations unless it's a sister
station like Channel six.
Speaker 2 (04:51):
And Fox got it.
Speaker 1 (04:53):
So, because you are basically controlling the narrative of two
different outside stations with one with one rule of mind,
you know what I mean?
Speaker 2 (05:02):
Yes?
Speaker 3 (05:02):
How do you feel? So that's supposed to keep perspectives
and lenses separate.
Speaker 1 (05:09):
And fairness, right, Yeah, So you don't have You know
as well as I do. Who's at the top of
any station is going to call the shots. They're going
to let things on the air that perhaps they want
on the air more than others. So if you're doing
that in both and two out of three stations, that's
almost like a controlled monopoly.
Speaker 3 (05:27):
So do you so you think they have to be
completely closed door to each other while they're owned by
the same corporation.
Speaker 2 (05:33):
It's going to be when's it's supposed to all shake out?
Like when is it supposed to happen?
Speaker 3 (05:36):
So according to the Associated Press, they say that this
deal is supposed to be done by the second half
of twenty twenty six.
Speaker 2 (05:46):
Well, I guess we'll find out all together. But it
would be weird.
Speaker 3 (05:51):
It's going to be very, very different. And you already
have station knack Quinn not Quinn. How do I say
her last name? I think like she's now a Channel ten, and.
Speaker 2 (06:00):
She was a Channel six then Jeff Hogan's back, and
Jeff Hogan's back.
Speaker 3 (06:03):
I mean, there's so many movie parts and.
Speaker 1 (06:06):
Talent alon it was a Channel six forever and now
she's at ten. She's been at ten now for a while, right,
But there's it's gonna be crazy and local And then
people say I saw so many comments from people saying
who even watches local news anymore?
Speaker 2 (06:17):
Mindy?
Speaker 3 (06:18):
I think that's true, and that's part of this problem.
And it's going to bring a lower cost to Next
Star to run all these stations because who is And
that was what the article went on to say, it
is not the place that it used to be.
Speaker 2 (06:29):
No, just keep watching Spectrum, the state wide station. You'll
see me on Tuesdays.
Speaker 3 (06:34):
To you, you'll wave and you'll get not just like
the shooting down the street.
Speaker 2 (06:39):
You don't get the shooting down the street. Because if
you have.
Speaker 1 (06:42):
A shooting down the street in Columbus to people in
Cleveland really care about.
Speaker 2 (06:44):
They don't. All right, we gotta go break.
Speaker 3 (06:46):
All right, we have at least Tokes coming up next
talking about Reagan's foundation and where things stand with the
ankle bracelet long.
Speaker 1 (06:53):
I'll lease stay here for this conversation, and if you
want to call in and tell her what a hero
she is.
Speaker 2 (07:15):
What matters.
Speaker 1 (07:16):
What matters is the name of the show. And Mikayla
and I have talked about what matters for so many
years together. I don't know if anything is more important
than a conversation like this, like the one we're about
to have.
Speaker 3 (07:27):
MICHAELA, Yeah, you know all of us. I believe no
Reagan tokes his name. And the awful thing that happened
about eight years ago now to Reagan, not far from Odegan,
Ohio State's campus, raped and murdered and kidnapped, kidnapped, and
and you know, we followed the story. There have been
some major changes in law because of what happened, and
(07:49):
we absolutely have just been grateful to be able to
support that family over time, continuing the conversation.
Speaker 1 (07:57):
That family is led by that unbelievable strong mom, Lisa Toaks,
Lisa joins us now and Lisa McKayla and I have
been in your corner for so long, and you are
our hero. I don't know what it's like to lose
a child, By the grace of God, I hope we
never find out. I mean, obviously I know what my
parents went through because I did lose a brother, my
(08:18):
brother Mark was killed. But to have your strength, your courage,
and your commitment to continue to fight for justice for
your daughter is beautiful. It's just a wonderful thing.
Speaker 5 (08:30):
Oh ladies, thank you for those kind words. And I
appreciate the opportunity to still have a platform for the
work that we are doing in Reagan's honor and memory.
I vowed when we started down this path, when we
were made aware of all the fractures and flaws with
(08:51):
legislation that existed that allowed a crime like hers to
be committed that I would work tirelessly and effortlessly until
we were over the finish line to fix what is
necessary legislatively, and we had success in twenty eighteen with
(09:14):
the first part of the Reagantoke Fact being adopted into law,
which actually addresses behavior while incarcerated, and additional time can
now be added to sentences of those who are behind
bars who are not exhibiting reform, preventing them from being
(09:35):
released and put back into society. But the partner bill
to that is the part that addresses ankle monitoring in
real time, and unfortunately that is still a loose end
and we are still fighting to have that peace complete
because the circle is still open ended and one part
(09:57):
without the other does not fully help with prime prevention
and protection of the innocent.
Speaker 2 (10:06):
We are going to talk about that today.
Speaker 3 (10:08):
We're also going to talk with you about the foundation,
which has done so much good, and ways people can
participate in something that's coming up to continue all that good. First, though,
since you started there, Lisa, if it's all right, yeah,
let's talk a little bit about the Regantoke's Law and
what still needs to get finished up that you were
just mentioning. So I was reading up the Marshall Project
(10:29):
this morning, and I understand that through the end of
twenty twenty four, more than fourteen thousand, five hundred people
have been sentenced under the reagantos law.
Speaker 2 (10:39):
According to the ODRC.
Speaker 3 (10:41):
So Reagan's perpetrator because he.
Speaker 2 (10:43):
Had been in prison before.
Speaker 3 (10:47):
If this had been in place, this first part that
we're talking about, he would not have been out when
he was out.
Speaker 2 (10:52):
Is that correct?
Speaker 5 (10:53):
To remind folks, that is absolutely correct. He had over
fifty infraction and while incarcerated for actually a very short
sentence for the type of crime that he had previously committed,
and he should never have been released. But because the
way the law was at the time, none of that
(11:15):
mattered and none of that counted for anything, and he
was not held accountable and was released even though he
was still exhibiting violent behavior while behind bars.
Speaker 1 (11:26):
How do you not go crazy, like, how do you
that would bother me till my dying day to think
that this whole thing could have been prevented and never
should have happened in the first place.
Speaker 5 (11:38):
No, And I think that's one of the hardest things
about this. This was truly a preventable crime, and the
system failed. It failed Reagan, it failed so many other
victims before and after her as well. It's one of
the reasons that I'm so committed to continue to fight
(11:59):
because what happened to her and what has happened to
our family is so completely and utterly devastating, and it's
that we're not for the grace of God giving me
strengths and courage and outlets and avenues to continue to
push for change. You know, I don't know where I
(12:23):
or where we would be at this point.
Speaker 3 (12:25):
So the law requires the imposing of a minimum and
maximum prison term the portion of the law that's in place.
So for example, a four year sentence for felonious assault
would actually be four to six.
Speaker 2 (12:38):
Years in prison.
Speaker 3 (12:39):
And I know, you know, you have people who are
fighting against the constitutionality of at least I've I read
up on that as well. But talk to us about
the ankle bracelet part that has not gotten to where
you need it to get to.
Speaker 2 (12:51):
And realistically, if there is going to be changed once
and for.
Speaker 5 (12:54):
All, well there hopefully will be changed once and for all.
So the second portion that was part of this original
bill package that was split into two components and was
called House Bill one sixty six at the time addressed
to ankle monitoring in real time. We have this false
(13:17):
sense of security with this program in the form of
ankle monitors that are put on released offenders that are
now being reintroduced to society, and the fact that they
are not monitored in real time and don't have real
consequences as absolutely maddening and ludicrous. They can be unaccounted
(13:38):
for various amounts of times, they can tamper with their
ankle monitor, they completely can cut it off, they can
go missing, and the accountability factor for that is the
missing link. Currently, law enforcement is not notified when any
of that goes on. And in the situation of Regan's murderer,
(14:00):
he was out and about in non inclusionary zones out
past curfew where he did not belong and was committing
crime and having zero consequences.
Speaker 2 (14:15):
Wow, makes me.
Speaker 5 (14:17):
And that is a program that still exists in the
state of Florida and many other states throughout the United
States as well. It is a completely bogused program because
it's not tied correctly. And that is the most frustrating
part is the technology exists for it to be a
(14:38):
actual crime deterrent and preventor instead of being what it
was in the case of Bragan's crime, it was able
to pinpoint and identify her perpetrators whereabouts after he had
already murdered her. Well, what good is that?
Speaker 4 (14:54):
Yeah?
Speaker 3 (14:54):
So what's the problem is it cost for the technology
for these states or like Ohio or what's the deal
Lisa A tape?
Speaker 5 (15:02):
Yeah, it's a lot of red tape. And that's a
very good question, because I will note that House Bill
one sixty six, that was compiled by Kristen Boggs and
Rick Carfonia at the time, passed unanimously on February eighth
of twenty twenty two out of the Criminal Justice Committee
(15:22):
and then was put before the House for a vote
on February ninth, twenty twenty two, which, ironically enough, was
five years through the date of US losing Reagan. It
had an eighty nine percent pass, there was zero people
that voiced against it, and then it languished for what reason,
(15:45):
I don't know. It needed to move on to the Senate.
It needed to go through the Senate Judiciary Committee and
then be brought to the Senate floor so it could
be voted into law and it never was, and they
would never give a concrete reason as why there was
speculation that money there's a money component to it, but
really that is why are we standing behind the shield
(16:08):
of money. Technology exists to the point that it's literally
the push of a few buttons here and there. And yes,
there are some components of the bill when you looked
at reduction and parole officer caseload and whatnot, that would
have had a financial cost to it, but there is
plenty of money in the system to fund this instead
of funding a program that is completely useless and pointless
(16:31):
because it does not stop the intention of preventing crime.
It's a means and a measure to tie people to
crimes or whereabouts basically after the fact if there's not
reactionary happening in real time because it's not being monitored
properly and local law enforcement is not made aware when
(16:53):
violations are occurring.
Speaker 1 (16:56):
So you said, change is definitely coming, Lisa. We're talking
with Lisa to the mother of Reagan to Oaks, who
eight years ago was kidnapped, raped and murdered. She was
a beautiful Ohio State student getting ready to really make
such a positive impact on this world. And in this
world that we live in. So in a perfect world,
where should we be right now and what's the future
(17:17):
look like.
Speaker 5 (17:19):
Well, in a perfect world, Reagan should be here with us,
and she should be she should have a psychology practice
that that's what she was pursuing. She would still be
making a difference positively in the lives of others. She
is through the work that we are doing through her
(17:41):
legacy and memory, but she should be here herself because
this tragedy should never have occurred. But we were dealing
with the circumstances as they are, and that means that
I have not stopped fighting for this secondary phase. And unfortunately,
when you just look at statistical history of crime crimes
(18:01):
being committed by those on ankle monitors, the numbers are staggering,
and the incidences of tragedy that keep occurring that could
have been prevented are just beyond There is a House
representative by the name of Cindy Abrams who is in
(18:22):
the process of resurrecting components out of House Bill one
sixty six because obviously it languished and we've had changes
in people in office and too much as time has
gone on. So it's starting from scratch situation again, which
is extremely frustrating because it's very well seeded and exactly
(18:45):
you're starting completely all over, having to find new partners,
new sponsors, new proponents. It goes through all the red
tapes that we go through when you're looking to get
something done from a judicial perspective. But there was a
tragedy recently again that involved somebody out on an inkle
monitor in Cincinnati and Patrick Herringer lost his life, and
(19:11):
being that is the district that Cindy Abrams is from,
she wanted to make sure that something finally happens, and
so she has resurrected a new bill that carries his name,
that has significant components from the original House Bill one
(19:34):
sixty six that hopefully will be presented and introduced before
committee here within the next upcoming month or.
Speaker 3 (19:43):
So October is the time to make it happen, Lisa,
they'll be back. There's it's not kind of a lane
duck situation, like it's the time to make it happen.
Speaker 2 (19:51):
I so hope that that moves. Let's do this. I
so hope we have to take a break right now.
Speaker 1 (19:56):
We're up against the clock the time, but we also
have some good news that we're going to share because
there's an event coming up in October that really will
honor and remember Reagan Toaks, our beautiful Reagan Toaks, So
we want to share that story with everyone as well.
Speaker 2 (20:12):
Is that all right, Lisa,
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce
Football’s funniest family duo — Jason Kelce of the Philadelphia Eagles and Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs — team up to provide next-level access to life in the league as it unfolds. The two brothers and Super Bowl champions drop weekly insights about the weekly slate of games and share their INSIDE perspectives on trending NFL news and sports headlines. They also endlessly rag on each other as brothers do, chat the latest in pop culture and welcome some very popular and well-known friends to chat with them. Check out new episodes every Wednesday. Follow New Heights on the Wondery App, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to new episodes early and ad-free, and get exclusive content on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. And join our new membership for a unique fan experience by going to the New Heights YouTube channel now!
24/7 News: The Latest
The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.